No one who adopts a puppy may have ever thought that there can come a time when they will go crazy and try finding answers to how to stop a puppy from biting. After all, puppies are so adorable. They can quickly become a part of any home and will keep you entertained throughout the day with their sweet little antics. These furry babies will become your child, your best buddy, and your whole world. Soon, you will not be able to imagine a single day without them.
Things, however, start changing when your puppy starts biting. He will bite almost everything that he comes across, your remote control, shoes, furniture, and worse still, you. Though he is a little baby his teeth are very sharp, and when he bites your feet, hands, toes, and fingers, that can be very irritating. All you then wish to know is how to stop a puppy from biting. Trust me, I wish I had known some of these tricks to stop puppies biting when I first got my pups!
Well, your puppy does not want to hurt you. He is teething and exploring things around him and this is perfectly normal. It is normal for him but painful for you. Do not worry, as you can indeed train him and help him get rid of this habit. Wondering how? Well, continue reading and discover your answer.
Three Ways to Teach Your Dog to Stop Biting
Before you learn how to stop a puppy from biting, clearly understand that this will take some time. Every member of your family needs to be involved in the training procedure. All of you need to be patient and consistent and only then will you get results. To find the supplies needed to help with this behaviour, see our puppy supply list!
So, let us now discover the three easy methods that are sure to work.
1. Drive Your Puppy’s Attention To Another Interesting Object
The redirection method will certainly work in your favor and is pretty simple to follow. Whenever you notice your puppy is about to bite your legs or hands, you immediately must redirect his attention to some other object. A toy will be your best bet here. There are various types of puppy-friendly toys available. Make sure you get at least a few different types as you do not know what your puppy may like.
How to stop a puppy from biting following this procedure you may ask. Well, when your puppy is about to bite you offer him that toy instead. Move the toy around, make noises, and do whatever you can to make it look interesting. If your puppy takes the toy, great, if not, you need to ignore them. Stop playing with him completely and make things look dull and boring. Do not get frustrated and walk away immediately as the puppy will be tempted to again grab your feet. Remember, moving objects attract them.
Just because the redirection method did not work initially, do not give up. Keep trying and this method will show results.
2. Socialize Your Pup
How to stop a puppy from biting with socialization? Will this work? These may be some of the questions running in your mind. What you need to understand is that before dogs were domesticated they were pack animals, and so they easily learn from their peers. You can sign up your pup for some socialization or puppy kindergarten class. Together with learning socializing skills, he will also learn good manners. He will learn from other dogs that playing rough is not a good idea and that it brings an end to playtime.
But how to stop a puppy from biting if you cannot get him enrolled in any socialization class? You just then need to introduce him to other dogs in your neighborhood or maybe invite a few friends home with their well-trained puppies. Remember, this does not mean you will stop training bite inhibition.
3. Clicker Train with Treats
Now let us learn how to stop a puppy from biting using clicker training and treats. This is a very effective method and your pup will thoroughly enjoy it. The clicker sound will be used as a cue that your furry little friend did something right.
First, you need to get your puppy associated with the clicker. Just click and as soon as your puppy’s attention is driven towards the clicker, give him a treat. Repeat this a few times. Once your puppy has started giving attention to the sound of the clicker every time, you can be sure he has understood that the clicker sound means he has done something good and he will get a treat.
The next thing you need to do is to put your hand in front of your puppy’s mouth and if he does not bite, click, and then give him a treat. After following this step of how to stop a puppy from biting successfully for quite a few times, wave your hand in front of your puppy, and if he still does not bite, click and give him a treat.
You can then try moving around just a few steps and if your puppy does not grab your leg, again click and give him a treat. Increase your steps, and each time you are successful give your pup a treat. Whenever you give your furry friend a treat also make sure to shower him with praises.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to stop a puppy from biting you can start following these procedures right away. Remember to be consistent. Some puppies may learn fast and some may test your patience. But do not give up, as they are definitely going to learn.
Never ever punish your pup. If you do, he will most likely get encouraged to continue with the very behavior you do not want him to. Also, it will come in way of you developing a strong and beautiful bond with your puppy. Puppies who are punished, be it physically or verbally, grow up to become aggressive dogs, something that you will certainly not want.
So, while following the procedures of how to stop a puppy from biting remember to be very calm and persistent. Even if you fail a few times keep continuing and your efforts and patience are going to reap great results for sure.